What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this Nick Jr. TV tie-in CD is
likely to drive anyone over the age of 4 a little nuts, but
will probably be adored by any preschoolers in the
vicinity.
Families can talk about the wide variety of musical styles represented here. The more musically adventurous can then search their music libraries for "real" songs with similar stylistic influences.
Common Sense Media Review
The Backyardigans
is a beloved Nick Jr. TV show featuring Tasha, Austin,
Pablo, Tyrone, and Uniqua. This new CD utilizes a wide variety
of musical styles on 18 short songs meant for toddler
enjoyment, and toddler enjoyment only.
Though most parents will find this selection of babyish vocals and repetitive lyrics tiresome, many will appreciate the well-played instrumental tracks and the impressive array of international music themes. The strongest tracks are those that pay tribute to genres with American roots. "What's So Scary 'bout That?" and "The Ballad of the Brave Pink Knight" deal with fear of the dark and being brave, with lyrics that are more interesting and well-written than the rest, and terrific big band/jump-swing backing tracks. "Aha!" boasts wonderful folksy acoustic guitar and a sly message about being a hero. Other songs employ rock, pop, Celtic, calypso, Dixieland, and reggae rhythms with great success.
The weakest is probably "I Love Being a Princess" -- a rambling, squeaky ode to the tiaras and magic wands so beloved by little girls who enjoy dressing up in bride/princess/ballerina frills. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but the song is truly awful.
"Oh, My Sherman," inexplicably sung to the tune of "My Darling Clementine" in a slow, dirge-like arrangement, could easily have been left off the CD without anyone knowing or caring. But little children who love the Backyardigans are likely to be enchanted, and some parents might enjoy using the variety of styles as a jumping-off point for sharing some favorites from their own music libraries.
Kids who love this CD may also enjoy Rock and Bop with the Doodlebops and Swing Around the World.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
